For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on why diabetes foot care is important. 91% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question: Why is it important that people with diabetes pay special attention to taking care of their feet?
Answer Choices:
- Years of insulin injections can increase risk of lower extremity complications.
- People with diabetes often experience changes in lower extremity sensation and circulation.
- Unusual skin growths are associated with diabetes unless preventative measures are routinely used.
- Everyone with diabetes needs a referral to a Podiatrist to prevent foot problems from starting.
As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 4, then a tie for options 1 and 3.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is incorrect. 1.39% chose this answer, “Years of insulin injections can increase risk of lower extremity complications.” Insulin injections don’t increase the risk of lower extremity problems and they might even reduce the risk of vascular disease by improving blood glucose levels.
Answer 2 is correct. 91.29% of you chose this answer, “People with diabetes often experience changes in lower extremity sensation and circulation.” YES, GREAT JOB. Diabetes can contribute to increased risk of vessel disease and neuropathy if blood glucose levels and blood pressure readings are chronically above target. Of course, genetics and environment also play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk of lower extremity complications. By providing people with diabetes strategies to protect lower extremities and care for their feet, health care professionals make a big dent in improving outcomes. We have free patient education handouts that you are welcome to share with the clients you serve. Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language and is also available in Spanish, Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 1.39% of respondents chose this answer, “Unusual skin growths are associated with diabetes unless preventative measures are routinely used.” People with diabetes are not at increased risk of skin growths, however they are at risk for fungal infections, especially if blood sugars are elevated. Keeping feet clean and dry, especially in between toes can help ward off infections and interdigit maceration. We have free patient education handouts that you are welcome to share with the clients you serve. Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language and is also available in Spanish, Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 5.92% chose this answer, “Everyone with diabetes needs a referral to a Podiatrist to prevent foot problems from starting.” A person with diabetes, well managed glucose levels, who can safely provide their own foot care does not need a referral to a Podiatrist. However, people with neuropathy, vascular disease, foot deformities, thick toenails, or a history of foot problems, usually benefit from being referred to a Podiatrist for assessment and care. You can download or free 3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout. This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.
Want to learn more about this question?
Enroll in our Foot Screening Bundle, now on Sale!
This bundle includes our 3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report Webinar + 20-pack of Monofilament + ADA Foot Screening Chart
People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.
This bundle comes with our:
We have included instructions on assessing and inspecting feet, risk assessment, and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.
FREE Handouts and Resources
Read More: FREE Handouts and Resources 3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout. This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings. Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language. Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language. Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below! The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
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